Thomas Rivera Schatz

The measure would expand the authority of permit professionals, a group that has drawn criticism from professional associations, business groups, environmental organizations and academics since its creation.

The process that led Gov. Jenniffer González to sign the Transparency Act amendments on Sunday — a measure proposed by Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz — was not only deceitful but also revealing.

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press warns that the proposed amendments would erode public access to government information and weaken accountability on the island.

The Senate announced late Friday that this week it will bring to a vote a bill that threatens the right to know for all of us who live in Puerto Rico.